Heavy straight truck making commercial delivery — Class B CDL training
CDL Training Program

Class B CDL Straight Truck & Bus Training

Drive heavy straight trucks, box trucks, dump trucks, and large passenger buses. Class B opens doors to local and regional commercial driving careers across New Mexico and Texas.

Class B

CDL License

FMCSA

Certified ELDT

Mon–Fri

8 AM – 5 PM

NM & TX

Training Locations

Who This Program Is For

Is Class B CDL Training Right for You?

Class B covers single-unit vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR — the workhorses of local and regional commercial driving. This program is designed for:

  • First-time CDL applicants targeting local delivery, construction, or transit careers
  • Drivers who want to operate box trucks, dump trucks, or refuse vehicles
  • Individuals pursuing school bus, transit bus, or shuttle driver positions
  • Drivers with a Class C license looking to upgrade to Class B
  • Anyone seeking local or regional routes without the complexity of tractor-trailer operation

No prior commercial driving experience required.

VSP trains complete beginners. You must hold a valid driver's license before starting training.

Class B CDL commercial truck driver training — straight truck and box truck

Class B CDL Training

Straight trucks, buses, and heavy vehicles — trained right.

Curriculum

What You'll Learn

Classroom Instruction

  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)
  • Hours of Service (HOS) rules and recordkeeping
  • Pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspection procedures
  • Cargo loading, securement, and weight limits
  • Passenger safety rules (if pursuing bus endorsement)
  • Defensive driving and hazard recognition
  • Driver health and fatigue management

Behind-the-Wheel Training

  • Pre-trip inspection of straight trucks and buses
  • Straight-line and offset backing maneuvers
  • Alley dock and parallel parking
  • City street driving and intersection navigation
  • Highway driving and lane management
  • Shifting and vehicle control
  • Loading dock approach and positioning
CDL instructor reviewing training checklist with student truck driverInstructor teaching CDL students in a vocational training classroom
What Training Looks Like

Inside the VSP Training Week

Class B training at VSP follows the same structured Monday–Friday format as all VSP programs. Each day combines classroom knowledge, range skills, and behind-the-wheel time with an experienced instructor.

CDL classroom instruction — federal regulations and safety

Classroom

Range training — backing and maneuver practice

Range Training

VSP CDL instructor with student

Instructor-Led

Training Format & Schedule

What to Expect During Training

Schedule

Monday – Friday

Hours

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Format

Classroom + Behind-the-Wheel

Location

Portales, NM

ELDT Included

Yes — FMCSA Required

TPR Registration

Handled by VSP

Training combines daily classroom sessions covering federal regulations and safety procedures with hands-on behind-the-wheel time. VSP instructors work directly with each student throughout the program.

Training Requirements

What You Need Before You Start

  • Valid driver's license (any class) — required before training begins
  • DOT physical / medical certificate from a certified medical examiner
  • Ability to pass a DOT drug screen
  • No disqualifying criminal history (reviewed case-by-case)
  • Clean driving record — no major violations that would disqualify CDL issuance
  • Commitment to the full Monday–Friday training schedule
  • Payment in full prior to class — VSP does not offer payment plans
Commercial truck fleet and equipment used in VSP CDL training

Training Equipment

Train on the vehicles you'll actually drive.

CDL student on public highway during road training

Road Training

Real roads. Real traffic. Real confidence.

Next Steps

How to Get Started

01

Complete the Pre-Enrollment Checklist

Fill out VSP's 7-step online form covering your background, driving record, safety history, and career goals.

02

Call VSP to Reserve Your Class

Call (575) 825-9202 to confirm availability and reserve your seat. Payment in full is required to hold your spot.

03

Attend Training

Show up Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM for your scheduled training week. Bring your valid driver's license and DOT medical certificate.

04

Pass Your CDL Tests

After VSP training, take your state CDL knowledge and skills tests. Pass both and you'll receive your Class B CDL.

FAQ

Class B CDL Questions Answered